In other words, do the Pistons really deserve the credit they have been getting? You can argue that they have had their fair share of injuries, that they have a new mix of talent, that they (gasp) are actually better than the 10th seed that critics pinned them at during the offseason.

You can argue that the Pistons struck gold with the signings of Ben Wallace and Chucky Atkins, former Pistons who are supposedly at the end of their careers, who are supposedly old and washed up, who are supposedly only good for five-15 minutes a game, and are necessary to mentor the young guys.

To their credit, they have taped many of the holes that the Pistons exposed.

They have shown that the best way to teach is by example. But how long can this last?

Tape dosen't last forever.

The truth is, they are old. Maybe Detroit really is the Fountain of Youth.

I would like to believe it, but I don't believe in fairy tales.

Even when all of their guys are healthy, the Pistons won't live up the the excitement they have generated over the last couple of weeks anytime soon.

Not without a trade, at least.

The Pistons will truly show what they are made of when they go against a title contender.